In this episode, Alex and Annabel dive into a critical issue in financial services—advisers and compliance companies effectively "marking their own homework." When advisers review their own suitability letters or compliance firms assess templates they’ve provided, is the process truly objective? Or does it create a false sense of security?

We explore the risks, potential conflicts of interest, and whether this approach genuinely protects clients or simply ticks a regulatory box. Is there a better way to ensure robust compliance and high-quality advice?

Are you wondering how AI can enhance your financial advice business while keeping your client data secure? Or perhaps you're unsure how to offer a service that meets the needs of all potential clients?

In this episode, we sit down with Madeleine from Otto Finance, who is at the forefront of AI for financial advisers. She shares her expert insights on how AI can streamline your processes, improve client outcomes, and—most importantly—how to ensure your data remains yours.

Madeleine’s passion and top tips will give you the confidence to explore AI without compromising control.

Got questions? Reach out to me and Annabel at www.mybeginnings.co.uk, or connect with Madeleine at www.ottofinance.io.

We all know T&C (Training & Competence) is a crucial part of financial services, but let’s be honest—does it really add value, or is it just another box-ticking exercise? In this episode, we explore how T&C can become an integrated, engaging, and even enjoyable part of your business.
One key element of T&C is ongoing development, often achieved through the standard 35 hours of CPD via webinars, conferences, and online courses. But what if we looked beyond financial services and found more imaginative ways to develop ourselves?
This year, I set myself a challenge: to make CPD more meaningful by incorporating my personal passions. As a paddleboarding instructor, I recently progressed my hobby into a coaching qualification. The experience taught me valuable coaching skills that have enhanced both my personal growth and the service I offer to clients.

In this episode, we discuss:
✅ Why T&C often feels like a compliance exercise rather than a development tool
✅ How thinking beyond finance can transform the way we approach CPD
✅ The power of learning new skills in unexpected places
✅ Practical steps to make T&C work for you and your team

If you’re looking for fresh ideas on making T&C more valuable, engaging, and impactful, this episode is for you.

The Problem with Factfinding – Factfinding is the foundation of financial advice, but is it always done right? In this episode, we uncover the common pitfalls in factfinding, from box-ticking exercises to missing crucial client details. Are advisers truly getting to the heart of their clients' needs, or is the process just another compliance burden? Join us as we explore how to make factfinding more meaningful, effective, and client-focused.

In this episode, we explore the well known challenges of suitability letters. From regulatory pitfalls to common communication gaps, we break down the issues and share our top hints and tips to make your letters more interesting and compliant. Plus, we’re setting a challenge to help you make your suitability reports something that the clients will enjoy reading. Listen to learn how to make suitability letters work for you and your clients.

Are you frustrated by the gap between the promise of CRMs and the reality of getting your team to actually use them? You’re not alone. The Problem with CRMs dives deep into the most overlooked challenge in CRM success: user adoption.

Join us as we explore why so many businesses struggle to integrate CRMs into their workflows and how you can overcome these barriers. From expert interviews to actionable insights, we’ll uncover what it really takes to transform your CRM from a clunky tool into a business changing asset. Whether you’re a CRM skeptic or a seasoned pro, this podcast is your guide to solving the user adoption problem.

Are you an appointed representative, are you fed up or just wondering what your options
are? This episode will debunk some myths and help you to decide whether being an
appointed representative is right for you.

Do you have a business plan? Is it up to date, or are you wondering why you would still need
one? This episode highlights the importance of having a business plan and also offers
insightful tips on how to design one that will help your business grow.